16Hit1600
Craft and StructureVery hardWord for reducing something's force

Craft and Structure practice question

Rather than deny the report outright, the minister tried to ____ its findings, calling the figures 'preliminary' and the methods 'still under discussion'.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

  1. A. downplayCorrect
  2. B. substantiate
  3. C. replicate
  4. D. disseminate

Answer: A. downplay

Calling figures preliminary and methods unsettled makes the findings seem less weighty: downplaying.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. substantiate
'Substantiate' would mean confirming the findings.
C. replicate
'Replicate' would mean repeating the study.
D. disseminate
'Disseminate' would mean spreading the report, the opposite of the minister's aim.

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